High-power pulsed electromagnetic field applicator systems

ABSTRACT

Described herein are high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) applicator apparatuses. These apparatuses are configured to drive multiple applicators to concurrently deliver high-power PEMF signals to tissue. The apparatuses may be further configured to wirelessly communicate with local computing device and a remote server for patient monitoring, prescription and/or device servicing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/449,133, filed Jun. 21, 2019, titled “HIGH-POWER PULSEDELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD APPLICATOR SYSTEMS,” which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/688,168, filed on Jun. 21, 2018,and titled “HIGH-POWER PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD APPLICATOR SYSTEMS,”which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The following U.S. patent applications are also herein incorporated byreference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individualpublication or patent application was specifically and individuallyindicated to be incorporated by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,069,titled “PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD,”filed on Jan. 15, 1999, U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,763, titled “PULSEDELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD,” filed on Jun.27, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,967,281, titled “COVER FOR ELECTROMAGNETICTREATMENT APPLICATOR,” filed on Oct. 22, 2003, U.S. Pat. No. 6,974,961,titled “COVER FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC TREATMENT APPLICATOR,” filed on Sep.14, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 7,024,239, titled “PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGYTREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD,” filed on Nov. 20, 2001, and PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2015/062232, titled “TREATMENT OF CONDITIONSSUSCEPTIBLE TO PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY,” filed on Nov. 23,2015.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specificationare herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the sameextent as if each individual publication or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF)systems, apparatuses and methods. In particular, the disclosure relatesto high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) applicator systems.

BACKGROUND

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) have been described for treatingtherapeutically resistant problems of both the musculoskeletal system aswell as soft tissues. PEMF typically includes the use of low-energy,time-varying magnetic fields. For example, PEMF therapy has been used totreat non-union bone fractures and delayed union bone fractures. PEMFtherapy has also been used for treatment of corresponding types of bodysoft tissue injuries including chronic refractory tendinitis, decubitusulcers and ligament, tendon injuries, osteoporosis, and Charcot foot.During PEMF therapy, an electromagnetic transducer coil is generallyplaced in the vicinity of the injury (sometimes referred to as the“target area”) such that pulsing the transducer coil will produce anapplied or driving field that penetrates to the underlying tissue.

Treatment devices emitting magnetic and/or electromagnetic energy offersignificant advantages over other types of electrical stimulatorsbecause magnetic and electromagnetic energy can be applied externallythrough clothing and wound dressings, thereby rendering such treatmentscompletely non-invasive. Moreover, published reports of double blindplacebo-controlled clinical trials utilizing a RF transmission device(Diapulse) suggest that this ancillary treatment device significantlyreduces wound healing time for chronic pressure ulcers as well as forsurgical wounds. Studies using Dermagen, a magnetic device manufacturedin Europe which produces a low frequency magnetic field, havedemonstrated significant augmentation of healing of venous stasisulcers. Additionally, it has been shown that 50% fewer patients treatedwith electromagnetic energy develop reoccurring pressure ulcers,compared to control patients, suggesting that electromagnetic energytreatments impart some resistance to the reoccurrence of chronic wounds,such as pressure ulcers. Electromagnetic energy may also be useful as apreventative strategy. Analysis of the effects of electromagnetic energyon the treatment of pressure ulcers show that this treatment, byreducing healing time by an average of 50%, results in significantreductions in the costs associated with wound management.

Traditional PEMF devices are typically stand-alone units that havelimited, if any, communications ability. Described herein are PEMFsystems with wireless communications capabilities that allow the PEMFsystems to wirelessly communicate with an external computing device,such as a smartphone.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, described herein are high-power pulsed electromagnetic field(PEMF) applicator apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems, includingapplicators and base units with or without applicators). Theseapparatuses may include a base unit that includes controller that maycouple to one or more applicators. In particular, described herein areapparatuses that are configured to operate a plurality of differentapplicators from a single base unit by efficiently multiplexing thesignal, controlling (including in some variations, with feedbackcontrol) and applying high-voltage PEMF from multiple applicatorswithout interfering with the PEMF applied by different applicators.

For example, described herein are high-power pulsed electromagneticfield (PEMF) applicator systems that may include: a base housingcomprising a controller configured to generate and multiplex ahigh-power pulsed signal; and two or more applicators coupled to thebase, each applicator comprising: a coil circuit configured to emit thehigh-power pulsed electromagnetic field signal wherein the high-powerpulsed electromagnetic field signal has a power of greater than 40 W;and an electromagnetic energy shield disposed between the drivecircuitry and the coil circuit; wherein the two or more controller isconfigured to apply the multiplexed signal to the two or moreapplicators so that each applicator emits a PEMF signal withoutinterference.

The two or more applicators are configured to be hand-held. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, the two or more applicators mayinclude a feedback circuit positioned behind the coil circuit andconfigured to detect the field strength of the high-power pulsedelectromagnetic field signal emitted by the coil circuit. The controllermay be configured to adjust an amplitude of the high-power pulsedelectromagnetic field in response to the detected filed strength (e.g.,one or more of electric field, magnetic field, or both) by adjusting acontrol signal (e.g., a low-power control signal), to adjust an RFamplification stage that is connected to, or part of, the controller.

The feedback circuit may be printed on a first side of a printed circuitboard and the coil circuit may be printed on an opposite side of theprinted circuit board.

In general, each applicator of the one or more applicators may include atuning/matching circuit. The applicator may be tuned to a specific bodypart (e.g., head, foot, arm, hand, torso, upper chest, belly, back, leg,ankle, wrist, etc.).

Any appropriate PEMF signal may be applied. For example, the high-powerpulsed electromagnetic field signal may have a carrier frequency in theMHz range. For example, the carrier frequency may be between about 6 MHzand 100 MHz (e.g., about 27 MHz, about 10 MHz, between about 10 MHz and60 MHz, etc.).

Any of the controllers may include a diagnostic unit configured to rundiagnosis and generate an error code. Any of the apparatuses, andincluding any of the controllers of the apparatus, may include awireless circuitry (e.g., a cellular circuitry or module, Wi-Fi, ZigBee,Bluetooth, etc.), configured to wirelessly communicate with a remoteserver, either directly or indirectly through an intermediary computingdevice, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, a tablet computer, a desktopcomputer, or a laptop computer. In some variations the controllerfurther comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader. Theone or more applicators may be identified by an RFID code that may beread by the reader.

In general, the applicators may include a shield board configured toshield one side of the coil circuit. The applicator and/or base may bearranged so that the high-voltage RF energy associated with the RFamplification stages (in the base) and applicators do not interfere(inductively, capacitively, or otherwise) with the operation of theelectronics in the device.

As mentioned, any of the apparatuses described herein may be configuredto drive one or more applicators that are load-specific. In general, theapparatuses described herein include a tuned switching power amplifiercomprising a single-pole switching element that is capable of veryefficient operation. For example, described herein are applicatorsconfigured to be operated with different body treatment areas; e.g., theload profile of these different applicators may be configured to havedifferent loads, permitting them to be impedance matched to getefficient energy transfer.

One or more loop antennas may be used on the applicator board forinductive coupling to the H-field. This may allow us to specificallycontrol H-field rather than simply the E-field. This approach may alsogive a more accurate measurement of the field strength produced becauseH-field is not generally influenced (reflected or absorbed) by the user.

Any of these sensing methods may combine both inductive and capacitivesensing. This may allow control of E- and H-fields independently fromeach other.

Alternatively or additionally, any of these methods and apparatuses mayinclude optical feedback. For example, and optical emitter and receiver(e.g., an IR emitter and receiver) may be used to detect contact and/orproximity of the applicator to the users skin. This may allow theapparatus to only activate the field when the applicator is in atreatment position.

Any of the apparatuses described herein may include shielding that istextured or patterned, which may increase its effectiveness. Forexample, any of the PCB shielding described herein may include across-hatched PCB (25% coverage in a cross-hatched pattern).Surprisingly, the inventors have found that a PCB with a grounded,cross-hatched copper pattern provided excellent shielding for theradiated E-field and also provided lower EMI/EMC emissions than either acopper solid plane PCB or the aluminum shield often used in many otherPEMF products.

As mentioned, any of the apparatuses described herein may includewireless communication capability. For example, any of these apparatusesmay include a wireless circuit or circuitry (which may be part of orcontrolled by the controller) and may be used to provide connectivity toa remote server, and/or for communicating with the user (includingsending alerts, data, etc.) and/or for monitoring, operating andupdating the system. In some variations the apparatus (e.g., system) maybe configured so that patient prescriptions are provided to the devicefrom a physician via communications (e.g. wireless, such as cellular)circuitry on the apparatus.

In some variations, the wireless circuitry may be used to upload therapyfield feedback that may indicate operation of the apparatus. Thisoperation may indicate that the apparatus is being used properly (e.g.,monitoring compliance) and/or that the apparatus is in working order(e.g., monitoring to prevent miss-operation and/or problems with thesystem (in the software, firmware, hardware, applicator, base, etc.).

For example, any of these apparatuses may be configured to providereal-time or near real-time monitoring and feedback to users to ensureproduct effectiveness. The apparatus may also be configured to provideusage validation (e.g., detecting, recording and/or transmitting) when auser is operating the device as prescribed, which may be used forcompliance monitoring.

The apparatuses described herein may also be configured to uploadeddiagnostics that may allow remote troubleshooting of devices in thefield. For example, the apparatus may be configured to download, via thewireless circuitry, one or more software updates in the field, and/or mydeliver messages, including alerts, to the user, and/or may be used todeliver a digital prescription for the operation of the apparatus.

For example, also described herein are methods of controlling operationof high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) applicator system, themethod comprising: emitting a high-power PEMF signal having a power ofgreater than 40 W from an applicator of the high-power PEMF applicatorsystem, wherein the high-power PEMF applicator system includes: acontroller configured to generate a high-power pulsed signal, a poweramplifier configured to generate a pulsed drive signal, a wirelesscommunication circuit, and an RF amplification stage configured tocouple to the applicator, wherein the applicator includes a coil circuitconfigured to emit the high-power pulsed electromagnetic field signaland a feedback sensor; receiving a feedback signal in the feedbacksensor from the high-power PEMF signal emitted by the applicator;transmitting a therapy field feedback signal derived from or includingthe feedback signal to a remote server; and transmitting, from theremote server, an alert to a user operating the high-power PEMFapplicator system when the therapy field feedback signal exceeds apredetermined set of performance parameters.

Any of these methods may include transmitting, from the remote server, aprescription for additional high-power PEMF signal. For example, themethods may include receiving one or more of: a capacitance signal andan inductance signal. Receiving the feedback signal may comprisesreceiving a field strength signal indicating the strength of one or moreof an applied electrical field or magnetic field. Receiving the feedbacksignal may comprise receiving a signal indicating contact with a bodypart.

Transmitting may comprise transmitting via a wireless (e.g., cellular)transmission from the high-power PEMF applicator system. In any of theseapparatuses, transmitting the therapy field feedback signal may comprisetransmitting to a user wireless communications device and transmittingform the user wireless communications device to the remote server.Transmitting the therapy field feedback signal may comprise transmittingcompliance data based on the feedback signal. Transmitting the therapyfield feedback signal may comprise transmitting in real time or nearreal-time (e.g., with less than a 1 minute latency, less than a 30second latency, less than a 15 second latency, less than a 10 secondlatency, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, transmitting the therapyfield feedback signal may comprises transmitting at the start of a nextsession of the high-power PEMF applicator system. Any of these methodsmay include confirming a transmission path before transmitting thetherapy field feedback signal (e.g., attempting to transmit one or moretimes, e.g., 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, etc.).

In general, any of the methods described herein may include metering orcontrolling the delivery based on a prescription or metering device. Forexample, the methods described herein can include the step oftransmitting a radio frequency identification (RFID) address between thehand-held applicator and the base housing. The hand-held applicator maygenerate the high-power, pulsed electromagnetic field only after thebase housing verifies the RFID address.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe claims that follow. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a high-power pulsed electromagneticfield (PEMF) applicator system including one applicator.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a block diagram of a high-power pulsedelectromagnetic field (PEMF) applicator system including a pair ofconnected applicators.

FIGS. 3A-3D schematically illustrates a base unit portion of ahigh-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) applicator system.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate exemplary dimensions (in inches) for the baseunit of FIG. 3A-3D.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates one example of a control circuit for abase unit for a high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF)applicator system.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates another example of a base unit for ahigh-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) applicator system,similar to that shown in FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates one example of a grounding diagramdesign for a high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) applicatorsystem.

FIG. 8A schematically illustrates one example of an applicator for ahigh-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) applicator system.

FIG. 8B is another schematic of the applicator of FIG. 8A, showing agrounding diagram with cabling connections, similar to FIG. 7 .

FIGS. 8C and 8D illustrate examples of applicator antenna coils that maybe used. In FIG. 8C the antenna coil is a spiral. In FIG. 8D the antennacoil is a spiral having a thickness that varies as the trace helicallycoils around itself. In this example, the central region is thinner andthe trace gets thicker as it spirals outward. The thickness may increasecontinuously (e.g., from one end of the trace to the other end of thetrace). The variation shown in FIG. 8D may be less sensitive to load,and may allow the apparatus to be less sensitive to load variations.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic of an embodiment of the PEMF system withwireless communications capabilities.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a PEMF system with wirelesscommunications and a smartphone for controlling the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure now will be described in detail with reference tothe accompanying figures. This disclosure may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to the exampleembodiments discussed herein.

Described herein are high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF)applicator apparatuses. In general, the apparatuses described herein areconfigured to as high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF)applicator apparatuses. As used herein, an apparatus may include asystem and/or a method. These apparatuses may be configured as compactand lightweight apparatuses. The high-power pulsed electromagnetic field(PEMF) applicator apparatuses described herein may be further configuredto have multiple applicators for simultaneously treating using themultiple applicators (e.g., dual applicators, three applicators, fourapplicators, five applicators, six applicators, seven applicators, eightapplicators, etc.). These applicators may be configured toasynchronously fire to avoid or eliminate interference between theapplicators. For example, the stimulation between different applicatorsmay be multiplexed.

Any of the high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) applicatorapparatuses described herein may be configured to provide wirelesscommunication (via a cellular or other communications circuitry) to aremote processor and/or a telephonic or computer network. The wirelesscommunication circuitry may permit compliance monitoring, softwareupdates, and client messaging.

The apparatuses described herein are also configured to provide highlyefficient amplification of power. These apparatuses may also beconfigured to prevent thermal build-up in the base unit and/orapplicators. Any of the apparatuses described herein may also include auser interface (e.g., user inputs, display, etc.) that is intuitive andconfigured for robust operation. The user interface may also providevisual indicators of treatment and display of error conditions.

The systems can comprise a base housing including a controllerconfigured to generate a low-power control signal and one or moreapplicators coupled to the base. Each applicator can include a drivecircuitry comprising a generator to produce a high-power, pulsedelectromagnetic field signal that is transmitted to an applicator. Thehigh-power pulsed electromagnetic field signal can have a power ofgreater than 40 W.

Each applicator can further include a coil circuit configured to emit orapply the high-power pulsed electromagnetic field signal.

In general, the apparatuses described herein are configured forconcurrent application of two (or more) applied high-power PEMF signalsto a patient from two or more applicators. Thus, the base unit maymultiplex the applied signals in a manner that preventscross-interference between applicator fields. Typically, multiplexingmay include driving multiple applicators so that applicators may eachdeliver non-overlapping signals. In some variations, the controller inthe base unit may increase the pulsing rate by a multiple of the rateused for delivering a single applicator (e.g., if two applicators areused, the base unit may dynamically double the pulse rate, e.g., from1000 Hz to 2000 Hz). Each RF amplification stage may receive the samepulsing signals yet be enabled independently and separately from otherstages. Each applicator may then pulse at the standard rate (e.g., 1000Hz) while alternating the application of high-power PEMF between themultiple applicators. Cross interference may be reduced or prevented byhaving only one applicator active at any time. The RF amplifier stagesmay be positioned on an RF board within the base unit, so that they mayreceive control signals and provide the RF pulsed output signals to theapplicators. The RF amplifier stages may be controlled by one or morecontrol signs (e.g., from the controller) that may be used to enable onestage (and therefore one amplifier) at a time. The RF amplificationstages (e.g., stages 1-8 in some variations) may be addressedindividually by the controller to be active, so that only one RFamplification stage having the proper address acts on it. In somevariations this may be achieved by providing an enabling signal thatenables individual RF amplification stages at a time. Thus, only oneamplifier may be active at a time. The activation signals may beseparated in time (e.g., only 42 microseconds out of 1000 microseconds).Thus, every amplification stage may receive the same signal from thecontroller (e.g., a signal generator portion of the controller) and thissignal may be transmitted by one of the applicators only when thecontrol signal is ‘on’ for that applicator, by activating the RFamplification stage in the base unit. By enabling (e.g., using enablinglines) that apparatus may not need to change anything but the rate ofthe signal, enabling multiplexing of the signal between differentapplicators.

In some variations, the apparatus may sense that one or more of theapplicators is not in appropriate contact or proximity with the patient(e.g., user) and may dynamically adjust the applied signal(s).

In general, each applicator has its own feedback sensor. Thus, eachapplicator may be individually controlled by a feedback control loop.The feedback may sense the applied field and may be used by the RFamplification stage and/or controller to set the amplification of theapplied RF energy (e.g., how much drive to apply).

In general, the apparatuses described herein may include a user displaythat is configured to improve display features and enhance ease of use.In addition, the apparatus may include mechanical features to improvecord management, particularly when multiple cords are used. The baseunit apparatus may also include one or more features that enhancecooling of the apparatus, including internal cooling channels. Theseapparatuses may also include comfort-enhancing features for theapplicators (e.g., beveled/sloping edges, smooth outer surface, “softer”treatment surface, etc.).

The base unit apparatus, including the controller may operate with oneor more class E amplifiers per applicator, which may provide improvedefficiency and allowing use of a small and lightweight switching powersupply. In general, the apparatus may include an all-digital control.

Load-Specific Applicators

In general, the apparatuses described herein may be configured (tuned)to operate at one or more specific load configurations. These loadconfigurations may adjust parameters within the base unit and/orapplicator. The base unit and/or applicator(s) may be configured toswitch (manually and/or automatically) between different loadconfigurations. For example, the base unit and/or applicator may beconfigured to apply the high-energy PEMF to a specific body part (e.g.,a patient's foot, arm, knee, hand, torso, leg, etc.). Thus, although theapparatuses described herein may trade off load sensitivity with compactand lightweight features, this tradeoff may be ameliorated by switchingbetween load parameters. For example, an applicator may be specificallytuned for use on a human foot. Thus, in this configuration, the loadrange may be set within a predefined range. The range may be setempirically, and may be set (via hardware/firmware, etc.) or switchedfrom a look-up table. The range may be determined initially be samplinga population of people to determined expected loads on that body part.

In some variations of the apparatuses and methods described herein, theapplicator may be configured with a helical antenna coil, rather than auniform spiral coil. In some variations the helical coil comprises atrace that spirals around itself but changes diameter, getting wider asit circles outward (see, e.g., FIG. 8D). This spiral may be, in somevariations, a logarithmic spiral. In some variation the space betweenthe adjacent lines of the spiraling trace is constant while thethickness of the trace increases. In some variations the spacing betweenthe adjacent lines of the trace varies. Thus, in any of the apparatusesdescribed herein the applicator antenna coil may be a helical coil inwhich the coil starts thinner in middle and gets bigger as you circleout. This configuration may minimize the effect of the loading on theapplicator.

In some configurations the load configurations of the applicator isadapted to be used with a particular body part. For example, theapplicator may be configured to be applied specifically to a foot, hand,head, neck, arm, wrist, leg, torso, knee, etc.

For example, in some variations the applicator is configured to have aload that is adapted to be approximately 50 ohms, so that, when drivenby the base unit, the applicator sees a load of about 50 ohm real and 0imaginary; specifically, the cable connecting the applicator to the baseunit should see about 50 ohms real and 0 imaginary. The voltage standingwave ratio (VSWR) may be less than about 2.0, and the loadcharacteristics of the applicator may be configured so that theapplicator is tuned to the expected load. If the applicator is appliedto the wrong load (e.g., to a different body part), then then theapparatus may indicate that the applicator is not in contact with thecorrect body part. For example, the applicator may indicate that no load(if in air) or that an incorrect body part (e.g., “not the foot”) thanthe body part for which the load was tuned in the applicator (e.g., anapplicator, etc.).

In general, any of the apparatuses described herein may be configured tomonitor the load seen by the applicator. This may be accomplished bymeasuring field strength. The sensed field strength may be used to setthe drive level. If the applicator is applied outside of the selectrange, the apparatus may give a feedback error. For example, if theapparatus sees the wrong load (e.g., when an applicator tuned for a footis applied to a lower back, for example), the load is mismatched, andthe efficiency of the field will be outside of a predicted range, whichmay result in the apparatus indicating an error. Thus, the apparatusmay, but does not need to specifically measure the load, but may insteaduse the field strength. If the load is mismatched, the field strengthwill be outside of the expected range and the apparatus may have todrive harder to try and achieve the target field strength. This maytherefore result in an error, as described above, including anindication that the applicator is being applied to the incorrect bodyregion (or is in air). This message may be presented to the user (e.g.,on the output of the base unit) and/or may be stored and/or transmitted,and may be used for patient monitoring (e.g., compliance monitoring).For example, if there is a no-load condition on the apparatus, theapparatus may determine if the device is actually being used (or is inair), or is being used correctly. This may indicate complianceinformation.

In general, the apparatuses described herein are configured to drivemore than one applicator, including two (dual applicators) or more. Insome variations, the apparatuses described herein are configured toprovide high-power PEMF in which the ratio of the H-field to the E-fieldbeing applied is different. For example, H-field may be greater than theE-field seen by the tissue from the applicators described herein. Theantenna of the applicator may include one or more materials that reducethe E-field preferentially compared to the H-field. In some casesmaterials that are absorptive to E-field but not H-field may be placedbetween the applicator radiator coil and the patient treatment surfacein order to reduce the H- to E-field ratio.

The inventors have found that relatively lower E-field (higher H-field)may have a statistically significant effect on the tissue. For examplethe application of energy seen by the tissue that has a greater than 50%H-field (a ratio of H-field to E-field of greater than 1), such as agreater than about 60% H-field, greater than about 65% H-field, greaterthan about 70% H-field, greater than about 75% H-field, greater than 80%H-field, etc. Even the lower E-field application of energy (e.g. lessthan 40%, less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, etc.) therelatively higher H-field application of energy shows a statisticallysignificant response. Thus, varying the amount of the H-field to E-fieldapplied (e.g., by controlling the dielectric properties and permittivityof the applicator), may be advantageous, and may also result insignificant power savings (e.g., preferentially applying an H-field toE-field ration of between about 1.1× to 10× the H-field compared toE-field, such as between about 1.2× to 8×, between about 1.5× to 5×,etc.). As the E-field to H-field ratio approaches zero, the powertransfer is to the tissue may be more efficient by virtue of theH-field.

The apparatuses described herein may apply energy (PEMF energy) at anyappropriate carrier frequency. The carrier frequency may be, forexample, approximately 27 MHz. In some variations, the carrier frequencyis 27 MHz (e.g., 27.12 MHz) may be used with a stimulation pulse widthof 42 microseconds (us) at a 1 kHz pulse rate; stimulation may beapplied continuously for 30 min, e.g., twice a day. In this example, thehigher energy applied includes and H-field of about 10 A/meter and anE-field of about 200-250 V/m.

When multiple applicators are being used, the two applicators may besynchronized for concurrent operation in a manner that does preventsinterference between the two. For example, the base unit may multiplexthe applied signals, as mentioned above. Thus, in operation, theapparatus may alternative high-energy PEMF between the left, then rightapplicators.

In general, the apparatuses described herein may include a controllerthat is configured for active, closed-loop operation based on the fieldstrength. For example, the controller (processor) of the base unit maybe configured for closed loop control of operation to apply high-powerPEMF to one or more applicators. As mentioned above, the controller inthe base unit may receive feedback based on the driven load (and/orfield strength) applied. This data may be used to control operation ofthe apparatus. When multiple applicators are used, the controller maymonitor the load and/or field strength on each applicator and may adjustthe output so that multiplexing is suspended when one of the applicatorsis outside of the predetermined range. Alternatively, the applicator maycontinue multiplexing, but may suspend the application of power to theapplicator that is outside of the target range (e.g., does not have anappropriate load and/or field strength). In some variations, thefeedback value is a measure of the field strength; the load seen by theapplicator may be derived from the field strength. Conversely thefeedback may be the load, and the field strength may be derived. Thus,in some variations, field strength may be directly measured. Fieldstrength measured may be one or both of E-field or H-field.Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may detect capacitivecoupling of the applicator (e.g., to a body part). In some variations,the apparatus may detect the field strength and may use this detectedfield strength to calculate the applied energy.

Communications Circuitry

Any of the high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) applicatorsystems described herein may be configured for wireless connectivity. Inparticular, the apparatuses described herein may be configured toinclude or operate with a cellular link that provides the capability totransmit compliance data (e.g., date, time, and applicator loading) foreach user treatment, and/or device diagnostic data (e.g., status ofpower levels, display module, RFID module, memory, base unittemperature, etc.) to a remote processor, including a cloud data system,either directly or indirectly through a local computing device, such asa smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or desktop computer. Inother embodiments, as further described below, the cellular module canbe replaced with or modified to include a more general wirelesscommunications module that can utilize a wireless communicationprotocol, such as Bluetooth or WiFi, to communicate with another device,such as a desktop computer, smartphone, tablet computer, and/or laptopcomputer. In addition to compliance monitoring, this system may allowfor remote troubleshooting and error correction. The wireless (e.g.,cellular or Bluetooth) link may also allow for electronic messagedelivery to the client and downloading of software updates when needed.In some variations patient-specific prescriptions can be deliveredwirelessly (e.g., through the cellular link or Bluetooth) to theapparatus.

The apparatuses described herein, despite being configured to deliveryvery high-energy PEMF signals to multiple applicators, may be small andlightweight. In general, these apparatuses may include an embeddedprocessor that can execute instructions and/or operate via wirelessconnection (e.g., cellular connection or Bluetooth) to increase datastorage and processing power, and may increase the efficiency, featuresand capabilities.

In some variations, the apparatus is configured to transmit informationabout the most recent prior use(s) upon activation (turning on) of theapparatus. For example, when the apparatus is turned on, use data(including, but not limited to compliance feedback) may be transmitted.This may allow the apparatus to adjust the next treatment (e.g., how theuser is using it) based on the prior treatment data. This configurationmay also provide diagnostic data, which may be used to indicate that theunit is functioning properly. For example, if the prior use dataindicates that the unit is compromised, it may indicate that it shouldbe replaced, and may be replaced immediately and/or may transmitinformation to the party responsible for maintaining the unit to replaceor service it. In some variations the unit may present a message ormessages to the user, either via the screen on the unit, or by callingor messaging (e.g., text messaging) the user with feedback, such asinstructions to call the servicing party (including contact informationfor the servicing party).

In any of these apparatuses, the device may be configured to transmitthe prior session at the start of the next treatment and may suspend orprevent the start of treatment until the data has either beentransmitted or until at least some minimum number of attempts (e.g., 2attempts, 3 attempts, 4 attempts, etc.) have been made, before theapparatus is released to allow treatment. Failed attempts may becollected and transmitted together later, including at the next power-upor prior to powering down.

In some variations the apparatus may be operated using a prescriptionservice. When a prescription service is used, the unit may configured topermit delivery of a certain (predetermined) number of treatments perprescription, or a number of daily treatments for a predetermined numberof days. The apparatus (e.g., controller) may be configured to displayand/or otherwise indicate to the under the number of treatmentdays/times left, and may also be configured to indicate that the usershould contact their physician or health care provider to modify orextend a prescription.

The apparatuses described herein may also be configured to automaticallyreceive, via the wireless circuitry, software upgrades.

In general, the apparatuses described herein may be configured forcompliance monitoring. For example, the apparatus may report backinformation about the use, including the duration of operation, thefield strength applied, the time of day, number of times/day used, etc.This data may be stored on the apparatus and/or transmitted to a remoteprocessor/server for further analysis and/or for reporting to thepatient's physician (or to a patient's medical record). Compliancemonitoring may provide feedback values (digital and/or analog) that maybe transmitted back via a data link, such as the wireless (e.g.,cellular or Bluetooth) data link. This compliance data may indicate whenthe user turned the apparatus on, what the load on the apparatus wasand/or if this load was appropriate for the expected tissue (and/or ifit corresponded to air, or some other tissue). Thus, the compliance datamay indicate that the apparatus was turned on, and/or if the apparatuswas used.

In some variations some or all of the use (or compliance) informationmay be transmitted to the apparatus manufacturer or distributer or anyother party responsible for maintenance of the apparatus. For example,the apparatus may indicate that the device is not being operated withindesired parameters, or the device is not operating properly, or that theuser is not operating the device properly. In some variations the baseunit may process this information, which may be analyzed locally (in thebase unit) and/or remotely (e.g., in a remote processor) to determine ifa technician should review the apparatus. For example, one or more useconditions may trigger contact with the party responsible formaintenance of the apparatus, who may receive a notification directlyfrom the apparatus (e.g., via the wireless connection in the apparatus)or indirectly (via a remote processor). For example, if the apparatusdetermined from the use data that the load is not within the expectedrange during operation of the apparatus, the apparatus may use thecellular module to contact the party responsible for maintaining theapparatus; a technician may then contact the user to investigate what isgoing on. Similarly, the device may report an error if one the onboardperipheral devices fails to communicate serially with the processor suchas the LCD Display, Cellular Modem, RFID Module, or Real Time Clock.Additionally, a micro SD card that fails or contains invalid calibrationdata or an RF Board voltage regulator failure may report an error.

EXAMPLES

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a high-power pulsed electromagneticfield (PEMF) applicator system 100 in one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the systems 100 can include a base housing 10 housing a controller(not shown in FIG. 1 ) that is configured to generate a low-powercontrol signal and one or more applicators, (e.g., 20 a, 20 b) coupledto the base housing 10. For example, the base housing 10 is coupled tothe one or more applicators (e.g., 20, 20 b) by one or more cables(e.g., 15 a, 15 b). For example, one applicators 20 a is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows an example with two applicators 20 a, 20 b where the basehousing 10 is coupled to the two applicators 20 a and 20 b a by twocables 15 a and 15 b.

Each applicator (e.g., 20, 20 b) can apply a high-power, pulsedelectromagnetic field signal based on the applied control signal, whichmay be multiplexed to avoid interference as described above. Thehigh-power pulsed electromagnetic field signal can have a power ofgreater than 40 W on each applicator. The applicator (e.g., 20 a, 20 b)can further include a coil antenna circuit configured to emit or applythe high-power pulsed electromagnetic field signal. For example, the oneor more applicators can be configured to be hand-held or wearable forthe convenience of treatment. The one or more applicators can be appliedto the back, the feet, the hand, the shoulder, or any other parts of thebody of the patient.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an example of a base unit 300 that is configuredto apply or provide high-power PEMF waveforms to one or moreapplicators. In FIG. 3A, the front perspective view of the base unit 300shows a screen/display 303 and a plurality of control buttons 305. Thescreen may be a touch screen. The housing of the base unit may becompact, and may be configured to enhance airflow and therefore coolingof the internal components. Further, the apparatus may be ergonomicallyconfigured (having no sharp edges) and be configured to prevent waterdamage to the high-voltage internal components. FIG. 3B shows a backview showing connections to a power source (e.g., wall power), althoughother or additional power sources (rechargeable battery, etc.) may beused. FIG. 3C shows a back view. The base unit may be configured tostand above the surface on which it resides by a minimum clearance ofabout 0.5 cm (e.g., 0.6 cm, 0.7 cm, 0.8 cm, 0.9 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.1 cm, 1.2cm, etc.). This clearance 311 may allow air circulation for thebottom-facing fan, as well as speaker outlet. The housing may alsoinclude one or more vent inlets at or near the front top of the housing.Three or more feet 321 (four are shown in this example) may hold thebottom above the resting surface.

FIG. 3D shows a bottom view of the high-power pulsed electromagneticfield (PEMF) applicator apparatus, showing the cooling fan outlet 315,speaker outlet 319 and a cable management region 317 for coupling to andsecuring the cables connecting to the applicators (not shown).

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate exemplary dimensions for an apparatus similar tothat shown in FIGS. 3A-3D. These dimensions (shown in inches) areexemplary only, and may be +/−50%, 40%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%,etc.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an example of a block diagram of thebase unit of a high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) applicatorapparatus. The block diagram includes a display (LCD display), acontroller (including a digital control board), and an RF board, all ofwhich may be connected to a power supply, which may include circuitry(power control circuitry) for providing the power both to operate thecircuitry as well as to apply to the applicators. A pair of applicatorcables (applicator cable 1 and applicator cable 2) are shown, which mayconnect to each of two applicators and may carry both power (“therapysignal 1” and “therapy signal 2”) and data (e.g., RFID information 1,LED power, feedback from the applicator). The feedback may be, forexample, field strength, etc.

FIG. 6 is another schematic of an applicator interface shown the signalprocessing between the digital control board, the applicators, and theRF board. Generally, data is transmitted to/from the digital controlboard (controller/processor) and power is applied as a signal (PEMFsignal) to the applicator by the RF board. FIG. 7 shows a ground diagramfor one example of a high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF)applicator apparatus. In this example the power supply, controlcircuitry (digital control board), RF board and applicators are allgrounded by the common ground form the AC inlet. All of the cables areshielded cables with the shields being grounded. Finally shielding inthe applicator is also grounded to the same common ground.

FIGS. 8A-8B schematically illustrate applicators for one example of ahigh-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) applicator apparatus. Inthis example, the apparatus includes an antenna for delivery of thehigh-energy PEMF energy. The antenna may be a coil, such as shown ineither FIG. 8C or 8D. The applicator may also include a feedback signalsensor (“feedback signal conditioning”) that may be used in aclosed-loop manner to adjust the applied energy, including detectingfield strength and/or load. The schematics in FIGS. 8A and 8B also shownthe applicator board on which the antenna is positioned. A shieldingboard is positioned behind the applicator board and a separate antennaboard, which may include an RFID tuner may be located on the separateapplicator board.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an embodiment of a pulsed electromagneticfield (PEMF) applicator system 100′ that incorporates a wirelesscommunications module 13 into the base housing 10. The wirelesscommunications module 13 can use any suitable wireless communicationsprotocol, such as Bluetooth or WiFi, for example. The wirelesscommunications module 13 allows the base housing 10 to communicate withone or more computing devices 19, such as a smartphone, tablet computer,laptop computer, and/or desktop computer. This allows the display 21 anduser interface to optionally be moved from the base housing 10 to thecomputing device 19. In some embodiments, the base housing 10 may alsoinclude a full display or a rudimentary display and/or user interface.Moving the display 21 from the base housing 10 to the computing device19 reduces the cost, power consumption, size, and weight of the basehousing.

In some embodiments, the base housing 10 and/or the applicators 20, 20b, 20 c, 20 d can be wearable, especially after reducing the size andweight of the base housing by removing the display and reducing the sizeof the rechargeable battery. The base housing can include a strap, clipor other fastening mechanism to reversibly attach the base housing tothe user. The applicators can be fastened to the body part using anadhesive, a strap, or other fastening mechanism. In some embodiments,the applicators can include an on/off indicator 23 that can indicatewhen a field is being generated by the applicator. The indicator 23 canbe a LED that light up when “on” and is dark when “off.”

The display and user interface on the computing device 19 can be easilyupdated and/or modified by updating the mobile application or softwareon the computing device. This allows improvements in the user interface,which can be an intuitive graphical user interface, to be easilytransmitted to the end user so that the end user can utilize and benefitfrom the latest improvements. Implementation of a graphical userinterface typically requires more advanced and costly displays, so bymoving the display to the computing device 19, substantial cost savingscan be realized in the base housing 10. The computing device 19 can beused to control operation of the base housing 10 and applicators 20, 20b, 20 c, 20 d using, for example, an intuitive graphical user interface.The display can also be used for displaying data related to theprescribed treatment regiment, device performance data, past deviceusage data, upcoming schedule treatment sessions, compliance data, andall the other types of data described herein. The data can be presentedin text form, in tables, in graphs, and/or in charts.

The wireless communication between the base housing 10 and computingdevice 19 also allows data to be transmitted between the base housing 10and computing device 19. For example, software and/or firmware updatescan be transmitted from the computing device 19 to the base housing 10so that the base housing 10 can be remotely updated with the latestsoftware and/or firmware. In addition, the base housing 10 can transmitdevice operation data to the computing device 19, which can thentransmit the device operation data through a cellular network, aninternet connection, and the like, to a remote computing device, such asa server, or a cloud computing network that is maintained by the devicemanufacturer. The device operation data can include treatment data suchas when the device was used for treatment, how long the device was usedduring treatment, and other treatment parameters such as stimulationintensity/power and the carrier frequency used.

The data received by and stored in the remote computing device or cloudcomputing network can be used to monitor and evaluate patient compliancewith a physician prescribed treatment plan as describe above. Forexample, the data can include whether the patient has missed anyscheduled treatments, whether any treatment sessions were only partiallycompleted, and whether the appropriate treatment parameters were used.

To prevent overuse of the system, the controller in the base housing maybe configured to limit the amount of treatment that can be applied tothe patient over a specified time period, such as a day, week, or month.The computing device and/or the remote computing device can additionallyor alternatively have the ability to restrict device overuse based onthe received device use data.

In some embodiments, the patient's health care provider(s) can access,review, analyze, and/or comment on the data on the remote computingdevice or cloud computing network, and can modify one or more treatmentparameters based on the review and/or analysis of the data, and theupdated treatment parameters can be transmitted from the remotecomputing device or cloud computing network to the local computingdevice (e.g. a smartphone), and then to the controller of the basehousing. The health care provider(s) can access the remote computingdevice or cloud computing network through an internet connection througha cellular network, a WiFi network, or through a wired connection.

The device usage and performance data, the treatment data, and otherdata relevant to device performance and treatment compliance can bestored locally in the base housing and/or the local computing device,and also remotely in the remote computing device or cloud computingnetwork. Transmission of the data can be done at prescribed intervals,i.e., every 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, or 720 minutes, or every 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, or 7 days. Alternatively, data transmission can be scheduled atparticular times, such as a night when the device is not being used fortreatment. In some embodiments, the field generated by the applicatorsmay interfere with wireless data transmission, so data transmission maybe restricted or limited to periods when the applicators are notgenerating any fields.

In some embodiments, the application/software on the local computingdevice can be operated continuously even when the device is not beingused for therapy. When the device in not being used actively fortherapy, the application/software may be put in background state or modeto consume less power (i.e., the display can be powered off). In otherembodiments, the application/software may only be active when the deviceis in use for therapy. The user interface of the application/softwarecan include an on/off button, a pause button, a countdown timer thatshows the remaining treatment time, and other features described herein.

When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” anotherfeature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or elementor intervening features and/or elements may also be present. Incontrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directlyon” another feature or element, there are no intervening features orelements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature orelement is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” toanother feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached orcoupled to the other feature or element or intervening features orelements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element isreferred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or“directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are nointervening features or elements present. Although described or shownwith respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so describedor shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated bythose of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature thatis disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap orunderlie the adjacent feature.

Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may beabbreviated as “/”.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”,“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in thefigures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements orfeatures. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both anorientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms“upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are usedherein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicatedotherwise.

Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describevarious features/elements (including steps), these features/elementsshould not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicatesotherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/elementfrom another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussedbelow could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a secondfeature/element discussed below could be termed a first feature/elementwithout departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless thecontext requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” and “comprising” means various components can be co-jointlyemployed in the methods and articles (e.g., compositions and apparatusesincluding device and methods). For example, the term “comprising” willbe understood to imply the inclusion of any stated elements or steps butnot the exclusion of any other elements or steps.

In general, any of the apparatuses and methods described herein shouldbe understood to be inclusive, but all or a sub-set of the componentsand/or steps may alternatively be exclusive, and may be expressed as“consisting of” or alternatively “consisting essentially of” the variouscomponents, steps, sub-components or sub-steps.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in theexamples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may beread as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if theterm does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately”may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate thatthe value and/or position described is within a reasonable expectedrange of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may havea value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1%of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (orrange of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10%of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical valuesgiven herein should also be understood to include about or approximatelythat value, unless the context indicates otherwise. For example, if thevalue “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Anynumerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-rangessubsumed therein. It is also understood that when a value is disclosedthat “less than or equal to” the value, “greater than or equal to thevalue” and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, asappropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if thevalue “X” is disclosed the “less than or equal to X” as well as “greaterthan or equal to X” (e.g., where X is a numerical value) is alsodisclosed. It is also understood that the throughout the application,data is provided in a number of different formats, and that this data,represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any combinationof the data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and aparticular data point “15” are disclosed, it is understood that greaterthan, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, andequal to 10 and 15 are considered disclosed as well as between 10 and15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular unitsare also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11,12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of anumber of changes may be made to various embodiments without departingfrom the scope of the invention as described by the claims. For example,the order in which various described method steps are performed mayoften be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternativeembodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optionalfeatures of various device and system embodiments may be included insome embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing descriptionis provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not beinterpreted to limit the scope of the invention as it is set forth inthe claims. The examples and illustrations included herein show, by wayof illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which thesubject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may beutilized and derived there from, such that structural and logicalsubstitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter maybe referred to herein individually or collectively by the term“invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarilylimit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventiveconcept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, althoughspecific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) applicator system, the system comprising: a computing device comprising cellular communications circuitry configured to: receive software and firmware updates for the PEMF applicator system; and transmit patient compliance data to a remote server; a base housing comprising: a controller configured to generate a high-power pulsed signal, the controller comprising wireless circuitry configured to: receive the software and firmware updates from the computing device; and transmit patient usage data to the computing device; and two or more applicators coupled to the base housing, each applicator comprising: a coil circuit configured to emit a high-power PEMF signal configured to have a power of greater than 40 watts, wherein the patient usage data includes data associated with patient compliance with respect to a prescribed treatment plan.
 2. The high-power PEMF applicator system of claim 1, wherein the computing device is selected from the group consisting of a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and a desktop computer.
 3. The high-power PEMF applicator system of claim 2, wherein the computing device is a smartphone.
 4. The high-power PEMF applicator system of claim 1, further comprising a cloud computing network configured to receive the patient compliance data.
 5. The high-power PEMF applicator system of claim 1, wherein the controller further comprises a diagnostic unit configured to run one or more diagnostic tests and generate diagnostic test data and an error code if one or more of the diagnostic tests is failed, wherein the wireless circuitry is configured to transmit the diagnostic test data and the error code to the computing device.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the computing device comprises a display with a graphical user interface for controlling the base housing and the two or more applicators.
 7. A high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) applicator system, the system comprising: a computing device comprising cellular communications circuitry configured to receive software and firmware updates for the PEMF applicator system; a remote server configured to receive patient compliance data from the cellular communications circuitry; and a base housing comprising: a controller configured to generate a high-power pulsed signal, the controller comprising wireless circuitry configured to: receive the software and firmware updates from the computing device; and transmit patient usage data to the computing device; and two or more applicators coupled to the base housing, each applicator comprising: a coil circuit configured to emit a high-power PEMF signal configured to have a power of greater than 40 watts, wherein the patient usage data includes data associated with patient compliance with respect to a prescribed treatment plan.
 8. A method of controlling operation of a high-power pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) system, the method comprising: emitting a high-power PEMF signal through an applicator of the PEMF system; receiving a feedback signal in a feedback sensor associated with the high-power PEMF signal emitted by the applicator, wherein the feedback signal is based on a detected field strength of the emitted high-power PEMF signal; transmitting a therapy field feedback signal derived from or including the feedback signal to a local computing device; and determining that the therapy field feedback signal exceeds a predetermined set of performance parameters.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising transmitting, from the local computing device, an alert to a user operating the high-power PEMF applicator system in response to determining that the therapy field feedback signal exceeds the predetermined set of performance parameters.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein emitting the high-power PEMF signal comprises emitting the PEMF signal through a coil circuit.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein emitting the high-power PEMF signal comprises emitting a high-power PEMF signal having a power of greater than 40 watts.
 12. The method of claim 8, further comprising adjusting the emitted high-power PEMF signal based on the therapy field feedback signal.
 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising transmitting, from a remote server to the local computing device, a prescription for emitting high-power PEMF signals through an applicator of the PEMF system.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the prescription describes a number of PEMF treatments, a number of daily PEMF treatments, a number of days for daily PEMF treatments, or a combination thereof.
 15. The method of claim 13, transmitting use information indicating when the PEMF system is not being operated within desired parameters.
 16. The method of claim 8, wherein emitting the high-power PEMF signal comprises generating, with a power amplifier, a pulsed drive signal.
 17. The method of claim 8, wherein emitting the high-power PEMF signal comprises generating, with a controller, a high-power pulsed signal.
 18. The method of claim 8, wherein receiving the feedback signal comprises receiving a capacitance signal, an inductance signal, or a combination thereof.
 19. The method of claim 8, wherein transmitting the therapy field feedback signal comprises confirming a transmission path, wherein transmitting the therapy field feedback signal is based on the confirmation of the transmission path.
 20. The method of claim 8, further transmitting the therapy field feedback signal comprises attempting to transmit the therapy field feedback signal multiple times based at least in part on a confirmation of a transmission path. 